Stay motivated – our 10 step guide

We’ve all been there, sometimes you just lack the motivation to see the project through. But, follow our tips to stay motivated and you should never have a dull moment again.

Work to your strengths and identify your weaknesses

Work out what you’re good at and what you’re not. Motivation comes naturally when you’re working to your strengths, so find out what you’re good at. Challenges that you just can’t overcome can cause loss of motivation. Don’t struggle by yourself – know when you need to reach out for help.

Set goals

It’s easier to stay focused when you’re working towards something. Set yourself goals for the long term, medium term and short term. For example; by the end of the year I will have released 3 mixtapes, by the end of the month I will have arranged album artwork for my first mixtape, by the end of today I will have planned out my first feature.

Organise yourself

Get yourself into the right frame of mind for work. Shut out all other distractions and concentrate on the task in hand. Work in a place where you’re able to focus and won’t be interrupted. If you have your own studio, it might be worth taking some time to decorate Prepare your space – make sure you have all the tools you need to complete your work.

Work when it suits you

Everyone has a slightly different body clock. If your brain goes into sleep mode after 9pm, there’s no point trying to force it to come up with new ideas after this time, or you’ll just hit a mental block. Work at a time when you’re comfortable and mentally awake.

Plan

Making a plan of action ahead of time will allow you to get straight down to working. Plan out what you’re going to do, make a schedule, and follow it. You’ll be able to tick things off as you complete them, giving you little wins as you go!

Stay accountable – get critique & feedback

Tell your peers and friends what you’re working on. Let them know you’ll show them your work when it’s ready and ask for their feedback and critique. You’ll stay motivated knowing that you have to work to a deadline and that your work will be assessed. Join local groups or associations where you can show your work to like-minded creatives and discuss ideas.

Procrastination – just say no!

No excuses – all your other tasks can wait. Even the laundry. Yes, even checking the mail. Turn off Facebook, I saw that!

Get a hobby

When you lack motivation for one creative project, try another. Start a hobby that’s completely different – knitting, foreign languages, basket weaving – anything. You’ll find the change of scenery will get your creative juices flowing, and you’ll return to your project with a refreshed mind. Your new hobby will make you more creative – learning new skills is the best way to stay fresh.

Don’t force it

Accept it. Creative block happens to everyone. The more you try to struggle through, the more uncooperative your brain gets. Try approaching your task from a different angle. Or, if all else fails take a break from the project entirely.

Have fun and remember why you’re doing it in the first place

When you enjoy what you’re doing, finding the motivation to work is less of a problem. Remember why you became a creative in the first place; was it to express yourself artistically? To share your vision with the world? Personal gain? Is this one little step on the road to global domination? Don’t forget to reward yourself for reaching a goal, no matter how tiny.

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Joe Scarffe

Joe is the CMO at Twine.

When he’s not moaning about the state of the music industry or public transport in Manchester, he works with the Twine community and handles social media, the blog and partnerships with companies and institutions.

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